News Releases

The City of Saskatoon today launched a new online tool, ’Our Environment’, to report on the status of Saskatoon’s environment. Through this digital tool, citizens can monitor the status of 12 selected indicators reflecting the City’s corporate targets and representing key aspects of Saskatoon’s environment – air, land, water and waste.

“The online reporting tool builds on the baseline data from the City’s first ‘Our Environment’ report, released in 2014, and identifies trends of improving, stable or needs improvement,” stated Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “Additional indicators will be included in future online updates, and new data will be posted as it is made available.”

The next full ‘Our Environment’ report will be prepared in 2017.

Also released today is the Integrated Waste Management Annual Report for 2014. The Report will be received by the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services and provides more detailed analysis of specific indicators for Waste Diversion and Landfilled Waste from ‘Our Environment’.

Key findings from ‘Our Environment’ and the ‘2014 Integrated Waste Management Annual Report’ include:

Waste Diversion: Saskatoon’s waste diversion rate for 2014 is 22.5%.

• The compost program contributes 13% toward the waste diversion rate. The curbside recycling program contributes 7%, and the recycling depots contribute 2%.
• Installation of the ‘Efficient Waste System’ began in 2014, and will be launched in January 2016 with new collection routes and schedules to save fuel, operator time and improve overall service for residents.
• 1.1 million curbside recycling carts were emptied in 2014 and 10,724 tonnes of materials were recycled.
• The contamination rate (garbage placed in carts) for curbside recycling was 4% in 2014.
• The multi-unit recycling program launched in October 2014 and approximately 207 tonnes of material was collected.
• The Leaves and Grass Subscription Program (green cart) served 3,900 households in 2014, an increase of 30% over 2013, contributing to the diversion of organic waste to compost depots rather than the landfill.
• More than 51,000 vehicle visits were made to the two compost depots in 2014, including 40,000 visits made by residents. An estimated 22,000 tonnes of compostable material was managed at the depots.

Landfilled Waste: The amount of landfilled residential waste per capita is 249 kilograms in 2014.

• 2.8 million garbage carts are emptied each year by the City of Saskatoon with 99.9% collection reliability.
• More than 86,000 vehicles delivered loads to the Landfill.
• Approximately 168,300 tonnes of material was accepted at the Landfill.
• The amount of garbage collected is reducing every year.

Air Quality: Saskatoon’s air quality has been showing a slow downward trend over the past decade, with the average Air Quality Index ranking as Good over the past 5 years.

• A net reduction in greenhouse gas of 29,027 tonnes can be attributed to the curbside recycling program in 2014 (includes 387 tonnes from diesel fuel used in recycling trucks).
• A net reduction in greenhouse gas of 448 tonnes can be attributed to the multi-unit recycling program which launched in October 2014.
• Approximately 5,000 tonnes of CO2e was avoided through the approximately 22,000 tonnes of compostable material managed at the two compost depots.

Transportation Choices: The percentage of residents choosing to walk, cycle or take transit to work has been relatively stable between 11.5% and 14.4 % for the past two decades.

Water Quality: The Water Quality Index has consistently ranked water quality both upstream and downstream of Saskatoon as Good since 2005.

New Development Investment: The amount and distribution of new development investment has been added as a baseline indicator and illustrates that investment in development activities are balanced across the city.

The ‘Our Environment’ online reporting tool is available for viewing at www.saskatoon.ca/ourenvironment. The 2014 Integrated Waste Annual Report is available for viewing at www.saskatoon.ca/ourenvironment under “Waste”

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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NEW

IDYLWYLD DR NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT GREY PL
(Brick work)
Start: October 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 13, 1:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 1ST AVE
(Bridge maintenance)
Start: October 13, 7:00 p.m. End: October 14, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: November 6, 6:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 25TH ST
(Expansion joint repair)
25^th St EB curb lane closed approaching Spadina Cres.
Start: October 10, 9:00 a.m. End: October 10, 6:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM SPADINA CRES E TO CLARENCE AVE N
(Expansion joint repair)
Start: October 10, 9:00 a.m. End: October 10, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 8TH ST
(Light pole repairs)
Start: October 11, 7:30 a.m. End: October 11, 11:30 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 4TH ST E TO 10TH ST E
(Light pole replacement)
Start: October 11, 7:30 a.m. End: October 11, 12:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 25TH ST
(Expansion joint repair)
25^th St EB curb lane closed approaching Spadina Cres.
Start: October 11, 8:00 a.m. End: October 10, 6:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB/WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM SPADINA CRES E TO CLARENCE AVE N
(Expansion joint repair)
Start: October 11, 8:00 a.m. End: October 11, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

NIGHT WORK: 1ST AVE NB EXIT RAMP CLOSED AT SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Expansion joint repair)
Start: October 5, 7:00 p.m. End: October 10, 7:00 a.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: November 6, 6:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon is asking for your opinion on Curbside Swaps to help us better understand the wants, needs and expectations of citizens. A short online survey is open until October 26 to interested residents. Visit Saskatoon.ca/curbsideswap for the survey link.  Survey results will help to plan for curbside swaps in 2016.

At a Curbside Swap, unwanted items in good condition are placed on the curb and marked as free for anyone to pick-up.  Curbside swaps build community and keep reusable items out of our landfill.  

For information on hosting a household or neighbourhood Curbside Swap, including an online host manual and downloadable material to help promote your event, visit Saskatoon.ca/curbsideswap.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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NEW

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N NB ALL MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT 23RD ST E
(Underground cable work)
Start: October 9, 7:00 p.m. End: October 9, 9:00 p.m.

ONGOING

WANUSKEWIN RD SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MARQUIS DR
(Roadwork)
Start: October 7, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 6:00 p.m.

33RD ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO QUEBEC AVE
(Unloading)
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 4:00 p.m.

33RD ST E CLOSED BETWEEN 5TH AVE N AND WARMAN RD
(Primary water main repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: 1ST AVE NB EXIT RAMP CLOSED AT SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Expansion joint repair)
Start: October 5, 7:00 p.m. End: October 10, 7:00 a.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: November 6, 6:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Saskatoon Transit riders can soon expect to experience greater comfort, reliability and accessibility on every commute. As part of a larger plan to continue improving its service in the city, Saskatoon Transit is unveiling the first buses which are part of a complete fleet renewal strategy.

“We’re going to reduce the overall age of our transit fleet by five years and customers will notice the difference,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit. “It’s also more cost effective to operate newer buses over their life span because we don’t have to rely as much on extra maintenance and back-up buses.”

Over the next 10 years, Transit will:

• Reduce its average bus age from 11.9 to 7.3 years, thereby reducing maintenance costs and the size of the fleet given that fewer “spares” are required;
• Provide full accessibility on every bus, along every route;
• Offer air conditioning and other improved amenities on every bus; and
• Increase capacity on busy routes by tripling the number of articulating buses.

Transit currently maintains a fleet of 158 buses, including 100 allotted to daily routes and 58 spares—a spare ratio of 58 per cent. Through its fleet upgrade, Saskatoon Transit will be able to reduce its spare ratio to 33 per cent by 2020 which will greatly reduce operating and maintenance costs.

McDonald stresses the new buses will provide riders with up-to-date transportation consistent with a modern, service-focused transit provider. Some of these improved amenities include: wider aisles, ergonomically designed seating, larger windows, better lighting, automated stop announcements, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“We’ve seen $75,000 a year in fuel savings from the new buses purchased over the last five years, so we can anticipate even more of those efficiencies,” McDonald says. “Our fleet renewal strategy will get us to where we need to be and deliver the kind of service Saskatoon residents expect.”

Beginning Tuesday, October 13, 2015, the Landfill will be open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when the facility is closed.

Residents and commercial customers are invited to use the Landfill, which is located by way of Valley Road, south of 11th Street. 

Advise the scale attendant if you are bringing in recyclables, as some materials can be recycled for free.  Please follow all signs and/or instructions from Landfill staff.

For more information about the Landfill, including service alerts, and the City’s Waste and Recycling programs, visit saskatoon.ca/garbage. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

8TH ST E CLOSED AT EMERSON AVE
(Ground water sampling)
Start: October 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

WANUSKEWIN RD SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MARQUIS DR
(Roadwork)
Start: October 7, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 6:00 p.m.

33RD ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO QUEBEC AVE
(Unloading)
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 4:00 p.m.

33RD ST E CLOSED BETWEEN 5TH AVE N AND WARMAN RD
(Primary water main repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: 1ST AVE NB EXIT RAMP CLOSED AT SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Expansion joint repair)
Start: October 5, 7:00 p.m. End: October 10, 7:00 a.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: November 6, 6:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB (OUTSIDE) & MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR S
(Crack filling)
Start: October 7, 9:00 a.m. End: October 7, 12:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MARQUIS DR
(Roadwork)
Start: October 7, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT VALLEY RD
(Storm sewer inspection)
Start: October 7, 12:30 p.m. End: October 7, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM CUMBERLAND AVE TO GROSVENOR AVE
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: October 5, 10:00 p.m. End: October 6, 7:00 a.m.

33RD ST E CLOSED BETWEEN 5TH AVE N AND WARMAN RD
(Primary water main repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: November 6, 6:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

As we near the end of the summer construction season and the 2015 Respect Work Zones campaign, the City is considering ways to make work zones safer for next year. These steps could include the use of larger, immovable barriers, and the possibility of a move to full street closures that would eliminate the single lane of traffic alongside construction sites.

“Although there have been some noticeable safety improvements with our short-term or moving work sites, many drivers still continue to disobey signage and enter active work zones at medium and longer-term sites,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “To make sure workers are safe, we have to consider stricter measures for next construction season.”

Work has been steadily progressing throughout the city on high traffic and residential streets. There have been few disruptions or schedule adjustments thanks to an overall favourable construction season, however there are still dozens of disruptions to work zone safety that happen each day. Most issues arise from:

• Drivers ignoring ‘Local Access Only’ signage which indicate only motorists with a destination on that street may enter;
• Drivers moving traffic barriers which protect workers and sites that may contain curing materials or work zone hazards;
• Drivers failing to reduce their speed and thereby increasing the likelihood of an accident with a worker or construction zone hazard.

Drivers have been charged for unsafe driving in a work zone even where there is no police presence. Work site cameras and workers record and report licence plates when safety is compromised.

“We would also like to remind everyone that just because work doesn’t appear to be underway in a construction zone, it doesn’t mean it’s complete,” says Gardiner. ”Because of many steps that can be involved in road work – paving for example, which takes time to cool and cure – it’s still considered an active work zone if signage and or barriers are in place.”

Despite challenges with work zone safety, the City has seen improvement at short-term/moving sites. This success has been attributed to better short-term work zone signage, crews using more safety cones and other site-marker tools, and more rigorous safety inspection requirements throughout each stage of a job. The City’s Respect Work Zones campaign also contributes to heightened awareness about work zone safety.

“Even when the summer construction season is complete, drivers will continue to see smaller work zones during the winter months,” says Gardiner. “These areas typically have less advance warning due to their emergency nature, but they still require full work zone safety compliance.”

The City would like to thank the citizens of Saskatoon for their patience during this construction season, and to urge everyone to respect work zones and obey work zone signage.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and search Respect Work Zones.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.